At launch, the Mazda 6 estate will be available with a 2.2-litre SkyActive-D diesel engine, developing 148g/km. The engine, which will also be installed in the saloon, could deliver emissions as low as 105g/km. The design remains close to the Takeri concept, a fact that Mazda CEO Takeo Yamanouchi says is very deliberate because the company "knows that styling is a number one priority to Mazda customers, with efficiency and safety as the other important elements."

A SkyActiv-G 2.0-litre petrol engine, which promises torque levels in excess of what’s usually expected of a naturally aspirated unit, will feature in the line-up. Both engines are Euro 6 compliant.

Like the Mazda 6 saloon, the estate has been influenced by the brand’s Kodo design language and employ’s the full range of SkyActiv technologies including i-ELOOP regenerative braking system, in an effort to drive up efficiency.

It is definitely a good-looking car, and the estate probably shades the saloon overall. These press photos are also better than the ones they used for the saloon reveal last week as well, which helps. Still wish it more of the concept car look to it, though.

Looking forward to the first reviews; hopefully it drives very well too.